Nehemiah 3

Chap. III. ver. 1. Then Eliashib the high priest &c.] The names of the persons and families, who repaired and finished the different gates and parts of the wall mentioned in this chapter, are here especially detailed, to the end that they, whose zeal for their country and for the true honour and worship of God was so eminent and commendable, might have their names transmitted to posterity, for honourable examples to all generations. Pyle.

— and they builded the sheep gate;] The sheep gate is thought to have been on the south side of the city, in that part of the valley which looked towards the city of David and the temple; and to have been named from the circumstance of the sheep which were intended for the sacrifices being led in at this gate, on which ac-

Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 3:3

3. — if a fox go up, &c.] If a fox (jackall) should endeavour to force his way through, he would break After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.

Nehemiah 3:5

5. And cover not their iniquity.] There is a seeming harshness in this prayer; but Nehemiah should rather be considered, as speaking by the spirit of prophecy, as David did in the 109th Psalm; and we should understand that, on account of the malicious and implacable spirit which they shewed towards God and His people, he foresaw they would never be capable of God’s mercy, but would be utterly destroyed by Him. There are several prophecies on which this prayer was founded; and

Nehemiah 3:7

7. — unto the throne of the governor] Unto the palace of the governour; the word “throne” being used to signify any royal abode. Harmer.

Nehemiah 3:16

16. — the house of the mighty.] Perhaps where the king’s guard were lodged, who were all mighty men of valour. Bp. Patrick.

The names and order of them that builded the wall. Before CHRIST. 445.

Nehemiah 3:32

32. — the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate] This account had begun from the sheep gate, ver. 1. Thus the relation respecting the whole circuit of the walls is now completed. Dr. Wells. Chap. IV. ver. 2. — will they revive the stones &c.] In his expressions of derision, he represents it to be impossible that they should repair the wall, unless they could make the broken pieces of stone which had mouldered become whole stones again. Bp. Patrick.